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More than 30 Hanoi secondary school lecturers gathered to exchange knowledge and discuss techniques to incorporate the issue of dog and cat meat consumption in their training activities. The event is part of joint efforts amongst the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, The Department of Education and Training of Dong Da district is assigned to be the focal point, coordinate with Soi Dog International Foundation, and Social and Behavior Change Science Agency Intelligentmedia on November 03, 2023 in Hanoi.

Even though the dog and cat meat trade (DCMT) and consumption have existed from generation and generation, the Vietnamese youth is showing increasing support that goes against the trade of these animals. Cruelty and risk for the emergence of new zoonotic diseases are considered the most important reasons driving this opposition.

Ms. Trinh Dan Ly, Head of Education and Training Department, Dong Da District - Hanoi Department of Education and Training

Empowering the Vietnamese youth, especially the secondary school students, as key agents of change is at the heart of forcing that momentum. Lecturers are better than anyone else at guiding the pathway. The event, therefore, aims to enhance the knowledge and capacity of master lecturers on the issue as well as drive their actions via DCMT-integrated outdoor activities.

Mr. Rahul Sehgal, Director - International Advocacy, Soi Dog International Foundation said: “No one can deny the important role of the youth in leading the future society. By providing them with enlightening facts, information, and skills we hope that they can push forward positive social changes including the stopping of dog and cat meat consumption. We highly appreciate the active engagement of secondary school leaders and lecturers in bringing the issues closer to students and making changes. It’s critical time for Vietnam's Education and Training sector to take the pioneering leadership on the issue for their reputation and contribution to addressing humane issues in the society”.

Mr.Faizan Jalil - Senior Manager, International Advocacy, Soi Dog International Foundation

The training focuses on providing multiple types of knowledge including general background on DCM trade and consumption; and techniques to increase the trainer’s personal awareness and skills on follow-up actions.

Ms. Trinh Dan Ly, Head of Education and Training Department, Dong Da District - Hanoi Department of Education and Training said: “As places of teaching, learning, and personal development, we hope to provide our young talents with sufficient knowledge and skills so that they are confident to respond to and contribute to solving personal and social issues. Dog and cat meat trade and consumption are becoming controversial, and that needs to be addressed from an education aspect. The education sector includes both formal, school-based programs and informal, community-based activities. The latter option is the most relevant opportunity for coaching the issues as well as inspiring students to act. We take part of the responsibility to make changes to the issues”.

Mr.Do Quoc Trinh – Head of Epidemiology Department, Animal Health Department Area I – Department of Animal Health

The event ended up with interactive and exciting pilot training. Participants were divided into groups and demonstrated how they integrated the issue with their students. The demonstration creates a platform where event experts and lecturers can share creative ways for incorporation as well as adaptive improvement for real situations.

Mrs. Bui Thi Duyen, Social and Behavior Change Director of Intelligentmedia said: “Knowledge is not enough to change behavior. However, knowledge is important. It is critical to explain to secondary school lecturers and students why behavioral changes towards the consumption of dog and cat meat need to be made. Accordingly, their engagement helps facilitate change of practice of their family members, friends, and social individuals who might be the potential and existing consumers”.

Ms. Phan Thi Chan Ly, Principal of Ly Thuong Kiet Secondary School

Under the leadership of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, participants reached a high consensus on a joint action plan where behavior change messaging stopping dog and cat meat consumption will be disseminated and student actions will be taken and sustained. It results in the reduction of people who have the intention to use the products in the future as well as creates more barriers to existing users.

The event showed high interest and enthusiasm in the education and training sector in promoting humane and sustainable value for future generations.